Motutapu Island with Rangitoto Island and Auckland City in the background
Motutapu Island is pest-free - help keep it this way.
Before you visit, check for stowaways that may be harmful to wildlife on this island. Read more about Treasure Islands.
Motutapu is much older than neighbouring Rangitoto Island, and completely different geologically and botanically. The island is mainly in pasture although forests are being replanted and wetlands restored as part of a major community project.
Visitors are welcome, and there are a number of roads and walking tracks to explore the island, which is joined to Rangitoto by a causeway built in WWII. There is a basic campsite at Home Bay.
Motutapu is mainly pasture, but forests are being replanted and wetlands restored as part of a major community project. Occupied by Maori for hundreds of years, Motutapu has numerous archaeological sites.
When you visit Motutapu, make sure you take a walk along the Motutapu Walkway and visit the many archaeological and WWI military sites on the island. Swimming, camping and picnicking are all popular activities here.
You can stay at the campsite at Home Bay.
Find out how to get to Motutapu, and look after this special island.
Find out more about the pest-free warrant recommended for commercial vessels and concessionaires visiting pest-free islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
DOC has embarked on an ambitious project to breathe life back into Rangitoto and Motutapu islands, creating a nature sanctuary right on Auckland’s front door step.
View images from the event held on 27 August 2011 to celebrate Rangitoto and Motutapu islands being declared pest-free.
Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide activities and services in Motutapu Island Recreation Reserve.
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DOC maps: Discover the outdoors - DOC's key places, campsites, tracks and huts, and visitor centres on a map
Stop the spread of didymoCheck, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:1. Plan your trip2. Tell someone3. Be aware of the weather4. Know your limits5. Take sufficient supplies
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